Noelle suddenly realized what Russ had mentioned earlier—someone from Collinview University had gone to Michael and said awful things.That person was Zara.She looked at Zara in disbelief. "You really don't know what you did?"Noelle didn't know exactly what Zara had told Michael, but judging from the scolding she had received, she could guess.Standing up, Noelle walked over to her. "Zara, we've been classmates for half a year. Haven't I treated you well? When you needed help, I was there. When you couldn't cover your tuition, I helped pay for it. When you had nowhere to live, I let you stay at my place."When you needed something, I went out of my way to get it for you. Every time an opportunity came up, I thought of you first. And yet, you accused me of overcharging you for a wallet I bought on your behalf, and now you run to Mr. Xanthos to bad-mouth me? Where's your conscience?"The Noelle standing before Zara was completely different from the kind, smiling person she usuall
Noelle's fury boiled over, and she raised her voice. "No, Quentin! Are you deaf?""Fine!"A vein throbbed on Quentin's forehead as he released her, stepping back to put some distance between them. "Perfect timing. I've got some things on my phone… wasn't sure if I should delete them. Now I know. I'll keep them—for my own enjoyment."With that, he turned to leave.Noelle's pulse quickened, and for a moment, her heart seemed to stop. "What do you have on your phone?"Quentin paused mid-step and glanced back, his expression unreadable. "Just a few intimate moments between husband and wife. I doubt Ms. Xanthos would be interested."Without another word, he continued walking away."Quentin!"Noelle's hands trembled, and the pastries and meal box slipped from her grasp, crashing to the floor.She ignored them and ran after him. "Quentin, what do you have?"A deep sense of dread surged through her.She suddenly remembered a time when he'd mentioned recording them. She'd been in tea
Noelle had lost her appetite ever since Quentin said what he did.Now, she stared blankly at the table, a feast of dishes spread before her.Christian placed a few servings on her plate. "Why aren't you eating? The chef here is a descendant of the palace cooks from the last kingdom. You won't find food like this anywhere else. And even if you do, it won't taste the same."His hands moved with practiced care, his pretty eyes filled with gentle concern. But if you looked closer, there was a glint of coldness beneath the warmth.Noelle picked up her fork and took a bite of the braised pork.It was perfectly tender, but it felt as though something was lodged in her throat. What should have been rich and flavorful now tasted like sawdust.She couldn't swallow.Across from her, Christian watched silently, his gaze steady but unreadable, like a storm gathering on the horizon—perhaps nothing at all.He reached for the fist next, carefully removing the bones before placing a delicate pi
As Adele stood up, she pouted, looking visibly upset.Danny rose as well."Sorry, Chris. Noelle," he apologized before following Adele out of the room.The door clicked shut behind them, leaving an oppressive silence in their wake."What's your plans for tomorrow?" Christian leaned back, draping one arm casually over the chair, his legs crossed. He looked perfectly relaxed."Reading," Noelle answered, her thoughts still lingering on Adele's visit. She had almost forgotten Christian's earlier remark."I'm going on a business trip to Southern City. Want to come?"Noelle hesitated for a moment before shaking her head. "I've got exams coming up. I need to study."Her mind was far too consumed to think about traveling right now.The situation with Quentin was like a ticking time bomb—she lived in constant fear that it could explode at any moment, destroying her life."Alright." Christian dropped his arm and sat up straight. "Are you done eating? I'll take you home."Noelle, havin
Noelle's car pulled into the familiar neighborhood, stopping in front of the apartment building where she had lived for half a year.She stepped out quickly and hurried upstairs.It was as if Quentin had been waiting for her. The moment she reached the door, it swung open, revealing his lean figure.He grabbed her arm and pulled her inside.As Christian stepped out of the elevator, he caught sight of Quentin holding Noelle close before the door closed behind them.He stood there, tall and motionless, watching in silence for a long moment.Inside the apartment, Quentin's grip around Noelle's waist tightened.Her familiar scent filled his senses, and he bent down, brushing a kiss against the corner of her mouth.One of his hands slid from her waist, resting possessively on the curve of her hip. He pulled her roughly against him.Noelle's body slammed into Quentin's chest, and she let out a small cry, her breath hitching.The familiar warmth enveloped him, and the softness of he
The police officer's gaze fell on Noelle.Her expression was shattered, her clothes disheveled, and she looked as if she had clearly been harmed.His face grew serious as he turned to Quentin. "Sir, you need to come with us."Quentin glanced at Noelle, their eyes locking for a brief moment. His stare was cold, indifferent.Noelle ignored it and stepped toward the officers. "Officer, I used to be married to him. He has intimate photos of me on his phone, and now he's blackmailing me into remarrying him. Please, help me!"Tears began to spill down her cheeks as she spoke, making her look vulnerable and helpless.Quentin stood still, watching her silently, his cold expression unwavering.The officer shot him a look of disgust.Quentin looked decent enough—polished, well-dressed—but that only made his actions seem more twisted."Sir, what you're doing is illegal. Should I cuff you, or will you come voluntarily?" he held up a pair of handcuffs.Quentin's icy gaze lingered on the o
The air grew awkwardly silent.Noelle's mouth opened and closed as she stared at Christian's handsome face. His brow was furrowed in concern.Noelle nearly bit her tongue. "You… you should go test it yourself!"As soon as the words left her mouth, her face flushed bright red. She spun around and hurried into the room, slamming the door behind her.Christian's lips twitched as he suppressed a laugh, his eyes sparkling with amusement. "Test it yourself, huh?"His phone rang—it was Julian. He turned around to answer it."Mr. Blackwood, the Vastora Group just canceled their partnership with us."Christian's mood darkened instantly.He turned back toward the bedroom, knocked on the door, and said, "Babe, I need to take care of something. Make sure you eat, alright?""Mm-hmm, I will. You should go, and, uh, test it!" came the sweet and concerned voice from inside.Christian paused, momentarily speechless.Meanwhile, Quentin stepped out of the police station, his tall figure bathed
Perry knew he couldn't afford to offend either side, so he threw the issue back onto Quentin.Christian stayed silent, and Perry's heart pounded anxiously as he waited.It wasn't until the call ended that Perry finally let out a breath, his chest loosening from the tension.Meanwhile, Christian stood in the CEO's office at the headquarters of Four Seasons Lodge, the air in the room thick with a low, oppressive energy.He quietly clenched his wrist, rotating it slightly. Up close, you could see the veins bulging on the back of his pale hand.But it lasted only a moment. The dangerous tension in Christian's body faded as silently as it had risen.He made a call. "Set up a meeting with Mr. Ford, I need to see him."For the next two days, Noelle didn't see Christian.When Monday came around, she returned to work as usual, barely able to catch her breath with how busy things were."Dr. Xanthos?" a timid voice called from the doorway.Noelle turned to see a tall girl standing there